Range Hoods

One of the first things to consider is whether you are able to actually run duct work to the outside of your home or not. It is ideal if you can, as this will allow you to completely evacuate the smoke and heat your range hood will capture. If you are not able to install duct work, you can still purchase a ductless or recirculating range hood. These range hoods will run the air in your kitchen through a filter and greatly reduce the amount of smoke and odors in your kitchen.

Next, you will want to decide on the CFM (cubic feet per minute) rating of your range hood. This is the maximum amount of air your range hood is able to evacuate from your kitchen. A simple formula for determining the appropriate amount of CFM is to divide the BTU/hour consumption of your cooktop by 100. So if you have a 40,000 BTU cooktop, you will want to purchase a 400 CFM range hood.

Other factors to consider include how much cooking you actually do, or how much smoke you generate when you cook. If you rarely cook, you can select a budget-oriented range hood with a lower CFM rating. If you are the type who cooks frequently, generates a lot of smoke, or are putting together a highly functional and high-end kitchen, you will want to choose a high-end range hood with a higher CFM rating.

Picking the type of range hood is relatively easy, as the decision is quite often already made for you! If you have cabinetry above your cooktop, you will need to choose an under-cabinet range hood. If you have no cabinetry above your cooktop you will want to purchase a wall-mounted range hood. Finally, if you have a cooktop located on an island, you will either choose an island-mounted range hood, or a downdraft range hood if mounting a range hood from your ceiling is not an option. You may want to purchase a range hood insert if you have a custom range hood canopy, or an existing canopy, and just need the blower to make it functional.

When selecting the size of your range hood you will typically want one that is at least as wide as your cooktop, and preferably a few inches wider if possible. The most common type of range hood is the under-cabinet range hood. This will typically be as wide as your cooktop, but the actual width of your range hood is going to be the distance between your cabinets. This may be the same for a wall-mounted range hood if you have cabinets installed on either side of your cooktop.

With an island range hood, you typically have the most freedom when it comes to size. If you are installing an island range hood, or a wall-mounted range hood and do not have a size limitation due to cabinetry, it is recommended you select a range hood that is 6 to 12 inches wider than your cooktop.

Finally, you will want to select the manufacturer of the range hood you would like to purchase.  Build.com carries range hoods from every premier manufacturer such as Broan-NuTone, Fujioh, Kobe, Vent-A-Hood, Cavaliere-Euro, Zephyr, and many more! With so many options, you are sure to find a range hood that fits your style, needs, and budget!